Character Design Commissions Open | Bring Your Ideas To Life!

Aug 7, 2025 by Sebastian Müller 62 views

Open Character Design Commissions and Reference Sheets

Hey guys! I'm thrilled to announce that I'm opening up commissions for character designs and reference sheets. If you're looking to bring your original characters to life, or need a detailed reference for artists, you've come to the right place! This is your chance to get a unique and professionally designed character that perfectly embodies your vision. Let’s dive into the details of what I offer, my process, and how you can snag a spot.

Why Commission a Character Design?

Character design is more than just drawing a cool-looking character; it's about crafting a visual representation of a personality, a story, and a world. A well-designed character can capture the essence of your narrative, making it easier for audiences to connect with them. Think of it like this: your character is the face of your story, and their design is their first impression. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore why commissioning a character design is a fantastic idea and how it can elevate your creative projects. When you commission a character design, you're investing in a bespoke piece of art tailored specifically to your needs. Unlike using generic characters or stock art, a commissioned design is unique to you. This exclusivity can help your project stand out and create a memorable impression. Your character’s design can tell a story in itself. From their clothing and accessories to their posture and facial expressions, every element can communicate aspects of their personality, history, and role in your story. This visual storytelling adds depth and richness to your character, making them more compelling and relatable. A detailed character design serves as a valuable reference for other artists, whether you’re commissioning illustrations, animations, or even 3D models. A clear reference sheet ensures consistency in how your character is portrayed across different media and by different artists. This consistency is crucial for maintaining a cohesive brand or narrative. Whether you're writing a book, developing a game, or creating a comic, having a well-defined character design can significantly enhance your project. It provides a visual anchor for your audience, helping them connect with the story on a deeper level. A memorable character can become the heart of your narrative, driving the plot and resonating with readers or players. The character design process often involves close collaboration between you and the artist. This collaborative effort ensures that the final product aligns perfectly with your vision. It’s a chance to bring your ideas to life in a way that’s both creative and fulfilling. Working with a professional character designer means benefiting from their expertise and artistic skills. Designers bring years of experience and a keen eye for detail, ensuring that your character is not only visually appealing but also functionally effective for your project. This expertise can make a significant difference in the quality and impact of your character. Commissioning a character design is an investment in your project’s success. A strong character design can attract attention, engage your audience, and create a lasting impression. It’s a foundational element that can elevate your work and help you achieve your creative goals. So, if you're ready to take your character to the next level, consider commissioning a professional design. It’s a decision that can pay off in countless ways.

What I Offer

I provide a range of character design services to cater to different needs and budgets. Whether you need a simple character sketch or a full-blown reference sheet, I've got you covered. My goal is to deliver high-quality designs that not only look amazing but also capture the essence of your character's personality and story. Let's break down the different types of commissions I offer and what you can expect from each. To give you a clear picture of what I can do for you, here's a detailed look at the different types of character design commissions I offer. Each option is designed to cater to specific needs and budgets, ensuring you get the perfect design for your project. First up, we have Character Sketches. These are ideal for those who need a quick and affordable way to visualize their character. A character sketch is a preliminary drawing that captures the basic appearance, pose, and key features of your character. It’s a great option for brainstorming ideas or getting a general feel for your character’s look. Sketches are typically less detailed and rendered in black and white, making them a cost-effective option. Then there are Detailed Character Illustrations. If you need a polished, high-quality image of your character, a detailed illustration is the way to go. These illustrations are fully rendered with colors, shading, and intricate details. They’re perfect for showcasing your character in promotional materials, book covers, or as a centerpiece for your project. Detailed illustrations require more time and effort, so they are priced accordingly. The heart of my character design services lies in the Reference Sheets. A reference sheet is a comprehensive visual guide for your character, essential for ensuring consistency across different artworks and media. It includes multiple views of your character (front, back, side), detailed close-ups of important features, color palettes, and notes about their personality and design. Reference sheets are invaluable for artists who will be drawing your character in the future, whether for illustrations, animations, or games. I also offer custom packages tailored to your specific needs. If you have a unique project or require a combination of services, I’m happy to create a custom commission package just for you. This could include elements from the different commission types mentioned above, as well as additional services like character turnarounds, expression sheets, or weapon and accessory designs. To get started with a custom package, simply reach out to me with your requirements, and we can discuss the details. No matter which type of commission you choose, you can expect a collaborative and professional process. I value your input and will work closely with you to ensure your character design meets your expectations. From initial sketches to final revisions, I’m committed to bringing your vision to life. So, take a look at the options and decide which one is the best fit for your project. I’m excited to help you create a character that you’ll love and that will resonate with your audience. Let's bring your character to life!

My Process

Transparency and communication are key to a successful commission. I believe in keeping my clients involved every step of the way, from the initial concept to the final delivery. Here’s a breakdown of my process:

Initial Consultation: We'll start with a detailed discussion about your character. This includes their backstory, personality, visual preferences, and any specific requirements you have. Think of this as the foundation of our collaboration. The initial consultation is a critical first step in the character design process. It's where we lay the groundwork for a successful collaboration and ensure that I fully understand your vision. This phase involves a detailed discussion about your character, their world, and your specific goals for the design. To make the most of our initial consultation, I encourage you to come prepared with as much information as possible about your character. This includes their backstory, personality traits, physical appearance, and any specific roles they play in your story. The more details you can provide, the better I can capture the essence of your character in the design. Visual references can be incredibly helpful in conveying your ideas. If you have any images that reflect the style, mood, or specific features you envision for your character, please share them with me. This could include artwork, photographs, or even descriptions of real-life people or objects. These references will help me understand your aesthetic preferences and create a design that aligns with your vision. During our consultation, we’ll discuss the specific requirements for your character design. This includes the type of commission you’re interested in (e.g., sketch, detailed illustration, reference sheet), the number of views or poses required, and any additional elements you’d like to include, such as weapons, accessories, or expressions. We’ll also talk about the intended use of the character design and any technical specifications, such as resolution or file formats. One of the most important aspects of the initial consultation is establishing your desired style and tone for the character design. Do you envision a realistic character, a stylized one, or something in between? What kind of mood or atmosphere should the design evoke? Discussing these elements upfront will help me create a design that perfectly matches your expectations. We’ll also discuss your budget and timeline during the initial consultation. This will help us determine the scope of the project and ensure that we can work within your constraints. I’ll provide you with a clear estimate of the cost and time required for the commission, so you can make an informed decision. Transparency is key to a successful collaboration, so I’m always open to discussing your budget and timeline concerns. Finally, the initial consultation is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and establish a good working relationship. I value open communication and collaboration, so I encourage you to ask any questions you may have and share your thoughts and ideas. By building a strong rapport from the start, we can work together to create a character design that you’ll love. Remember, the initial consultation is the foundation of the character design process. By preparing thoroughly and communicating your vision clearly, you can ensure a smooth and successful collaboration. Let’s start bringing your character to life! After our initial consultation, I'll take all the information you've provided and create a series of rough sketches. These sketches will serve as a visual representation of your character's basic form, pose, and key features. Think of them as the first draft of your character, a way to explore different ideas and directions.
Sketching Phase: Based on our discussion, I'll create several rough sketches for you to review. This is where we explore different ideas and directions for your character’s design. Your feedback is crucial at this stage. We will work together to review the initial sketches and provide your feedback. This is your opportunity to tell me what you like, what you don't like, and any changes you'd like to see. Your input is essential to ensure that we're on the right track and that the final design aligns with your vision. Don't hesitate to be honest and specific with your feedback. The more clear and detailed your comments, the better I can understand your preferences and make the necessary adjustments. This is a collaborative process, and your feedback is invaluable in shaping the final character design. Once you've had a chance to review the sketches, we'll discuss your feedback in detail. This can be done through email, video call, or any other communication method that works best for you. During this discussion, we'll go through each sketch individually and talk about the strengths and weaknesses of each design. We'll also identify any areas that need further refinement or exploration. Based on our discussion, we'll select one or two sketches to move forward with. These sketches will serve as the foundation for the final character design. If necessary, we'll also make additional sketches to explore specific aspects of the character in more detail, such as their clothing, accessories, or facial expressions. This iterative process ensures that we're making progress towards a design that you're truly happy with. After incorporating your feedback, I'll refine the chosen sketch(es) and create a more polished version. This may involve adjusting the character's pose, refining their anatomy, or adding more details to their clothing and accessories. The refined sketch will give you a clearer sense of what the final character design will look like. At this stage, we'll review the refined sketch together and make any necessary adjustments before moving on to the next phase. This is your last chance to make significant changes to the character's overall design, so it's important to be thorough and provide any final feedback. Once you've approved the refined sketch, we'll move on to the next phase of the character design process, which may involve creating a detailed illustration or a full reference sheet. By working together closely throughout the sketching phase, we can ensure that the final character design is a perfect reflection of your vision. Remember, this is a collaborative process, and your feedback is essential to achieving the best possible results.
Refinement: After you choose a sketch, I’ll refine it, adding more details and polishing the linework. This is where the character really starts to take shape. At the refinement stage, we take the chosen sketch and transform it into a more polished and detailed design. This is where your character really starts to come to life, with added depth, personality, and visual appeal. The refinement stage begins with a thorough review of the chosen sketch. We’ll revisit your initial feedback and any additional notes we’ve gathered along the way. This ensures that we’re aligned on the goals for the character design and that we’re addressing all your specific requirements. With a clear understanding of the direction, I’ll start by refining the linework of the sketch. This involves cleaning up the lines, making them smoother and more precise. I’ll also pay close attention to the character’s anatomy, ensuring that their proportions and structure are accurate and believable. This attention to detail is crucial for creating a character that looks both visually appealing and physically sound. Next, I’ll start adding details to the character’s design. This could include their clothing, accessories, facial features, and any other elements that contribute to their overall appearance. I’ll work closely with you to ensure that these details align with your vision and enhance the character’s personality and story. During the refinement process, I’ll also explore different color palettes and rendering styles. This will help us determine the best way to bring your character to life and create a visually striking design. We’ll consider factors such as the character’s personality, their environment, and the overall tone of your project when making these decisions. Throughout the refinement stage, I’ll provide you with regular updates and seek your feedback. This collaborative approach ensures that you’re involved every step of the way and that the final design meets your expectations. We’ll discuss any revisions or adjustments that need to be made, and I’ll incorporate your feedback into the design. Once we’re both happy with the refined design, we’ll move on to the final stages of the character design process, which may include adding colors, shading, and textures, or creating a full reference sheet. The refinement stage is a crucial step in bringing your character to life. By paying close attention to detail, exploring different design options, and working collaboratively, we can create a character that you’ll love and that will resonate with your audience. Let’s make your character shine!
Coloring and Rendering: Once the linework is finalized, I'll add colors and rendering to bring your character to life. This includes shading, highlights, and textures to give the design depth and visual interest. The coloring and rendering stage is where your character truly comes to life. This is the process of adding colors, shading, highlights, and textures to the finalized linework, transforming a flat drawing into a vibrant and visually engaging character. This stage requires a keen eye for detail, a strong understanding of color theory, and technical skill in rendering techniques. Before diving into the coloring process, I’ll work with you to develop a color palette for your character. This involves selecting a range of colors that align with your character’s personality, their environment, and the overall tone of your project. We’ll consider factors such as color psychology, contrast, and harmony to create a palette that is both visually appealing and effective in conveying your character’s story. Once the color palette is established, I’ll begin applying the base colors to your character. This involves filling in the large areas of the design with flat colors, creating a foundation for the shading and highlights that will come later. I’ll pay close attention to the color choices, ensuring that they are consistent with the overall design and that they create the desired mood and atmosphere. The shading and highlighting process is where the character starts to gain depth and dimension. By adding shadows and highlights, I can create the illusion of form and volume, making your character look more three-dimensional and lifelike. I’ll consider the light source and how it interacts with the character’s form, placing shadows in the appropriate areas and adding highlights to catch the light. Textures can add a layer of realism and visual interest to your character design. This could include textures for clothing, skin, hair, or any other elements of the character’s design. I’ll use a variety of techniques to create these textures, such as digital painting, pattern overlays, or custom brushes. The goal is to add subtle details that enhance the overall design and make your character look more believable. Throughout the coloring and rendering stage, I’ll provide you with regular updates and seek your feedback. This collaborative approach ensures that you’re involved every step of the way and that the final design meets your expectations. We’ll discuss any revisions or adjustments that need to be made, and I’ll incorporate your feedback into the design. Once we’re both happy with the coloring and rendering, we’ll move on to the final steps of the character design process, such as creating a full reference sheet or preparing the artwork for its intended use. The coloring and rendering stage is a transformative process that can elevate your character design from a simple sketch to a stunning visual representation. By carefully selecting colors, adding shading and highlights, and incorporating textures, we can create a character that is both visually appealing and full of personality.
Final Delivery: You’ll receive the final artwork in a high-resolution digital format, ready for you to use in your projects. And that's it! A professionally designed character, ready to breathe life into your stories.

Pricing

My pricing varies depending on the complexity of the design and the type of commission. Here’s a general guideline: Getting a clear understanding of the pricing structure for character design commissions is essential for both the artist and the client. It ensures transparency, helps manage expectations, and allows for a smooth and professional collaboration. My pricing is structured to reflect the complexity of the design, the level of detail involved, and the type of commission. Here’s a general guideline to help you understand my pricing approach. Character sketches are a great way to get a quick and affordable visual representation of your character. These are typically less detailed and rendered in black and white, making them a cost-effective option for brainstorming ideas or getting a general feel for your character’s look. The price for a character sketch will depend on the complexity of the pose and the level of detail required. Detailed character illustrations are fully rendered with colors, shading, and intricate details. These illustrations are perfect for showcasing your character in promotional materials, book covers, or as a centerpiece for your project. The price for a detailed illustration will depend on factors such as the complexity of the character design, the background elements, and the overall level of detail. Reference sheets are comprehensive visual guides for your character, essential for ensuring consistency across different artworks and media. They include multiple views of your character (front, back, side), detailed close-ups of important features, color palettes, and notes about their personality and design. The price for a reference sheet will depend on the number of views required, the level of detail, and any additional elements, such as weapon or accessory designs. Custom packages are tailored to your specific needs and may include a combination of different services, such as sketches, illustrations, and reference sheets. The price for a custom package will be determined based on the specific requirements of the project. I encourage you to reach out to me with your project details, and I’ll be happy to provide you with a personalized quote. In addition to the type of commission, several other factors can influence the price of a character design. These include the complexity of the character design, the number of revisions required, and any additional elements, such as backgrounds or props. I always strive to provide fair and transparent pricing for my services. I’m happy to discuss your budget and work with you to find a solution that meets your needs. I believe that clear communication and mutual understanding are essential for a successful collaboration. To get an accurate quote for your character design commission, please provide me with as much detail as possible about your project. This includes a description of your character, any visual references you may have, and your specific requirements for the design. I’ll review your information and provide you with a detailed quote that outlines the scope of the project and the associated costs. Understanding the pricing structure for character design commissions is crucial for a successful collaboration. By providing transparent and fair pricing, I aim to build trust with my clients and ensure that they receive a character design that meets their needs and exceeds their expectations.

Character Sketches: Starting at $[Price]
Detailed Character Illustrations: Starting at $[Price]
Reference Sheets: Starting at $[Price]

Please note that these are base prices and may vary depending on the complexity of the design. For a precise quote, please get in touch with details about your project.

How to Commission

If you’re excited to get started, the process is simple! To initiate the commission process, the first step is to reach out to me with your project details. This is where you share your vision, ideas, and any specific requirements you have for your character design. The more information you provide, the better I can understand your needs and create a design that you’ll love. So, take the time to gather your thoughts and prepare a detailed brief. When you reach out to me, be sure to include a description of your character. This should cover their physical appearance, personality traits, backstory, and any other relevant details. The more I know about your character, the better I can capture their essence in the design. If you have any visual references, such as artwork, photographs, or mood boards, please share them with me. These references can help me understand your aesthetic preferences and the overall style you’re aiming for. They also provide valuable inspiration and guidance throughout the design process. In addition to describing your character and sharing visual references, it’s important to specify your requirements for the commission. This includes the type of commission you’re interested in (e.g., sketch, illustration, reference sheet), the number of views or poses required, and any additional elements you’d like to include, such as weapons, accessories, or expressions. Be as specific as possible to ensure that I have a clear understanding of your needs. Before we move forward with the commission, we’ll discuss your budget and timeline. This will help us determine the scope of the project and ensure that we can work within your constraints. I’m always open to discussing your budget concerns and finding a solution that meets your needs. Once I have a clear understanding of your project details, I’ll provide you with a personalized quote that outlines the scope of the work and the associated costs. This quote will be based on the complexity of the design, the level of detail involved, and the type of commission. If you’re happy with the quote, we can move forward with the commission process. To officially book your commission slot, I require a deposit upfront. This deposit secures your place in my commission queue and allows me to start working on your project. The deposit amount will vary depending on the size and complexity of the commission, and it will be deducted from the final price. Once the deposit is paid, I’ll add your commission to my to-do list and begin working on the initial sketches. I’ll keep you updated throughout the process, providing you with regular progress reports and seeking your feedback along the way. The communication doesn't stop there. Throughout the design process, I’ll keep you involved every step of the way. This includes sharing sketches, updates, and seeking your feedback at various stages. Your input is invaluable in ensuring that the final design aligns with your vision. Feel free to ask questions, provide suggestions, and express any concerns you may have. I value open communication and collaboration, and I’m committed to creating a character design that you’ll love. Commissioning a character design is an exciting process, and I’m here to guide you through it every step of the way. By reaching out with your project details, discussing your budget and timeline, and providing regular feedback, you can ensure a smooth and successful collaboration. Let’s bring your character to life! Here’s a quick rundown:

Send me a detailed message with your character description, references, and any specific requirements.
We'll discuss the project and finalize the details.
Once we're on the same page, I'll send you a quote.
If you're happy with the quote, you'll pay a deposit to secure your slot.
Then, the magic begins! I’ll keep you updated throughout the process.

Let’s Create Something Amazing!

I’m incredibly passionate about character design and would love to help you bring your characters to life. If you have any questions or want to discuss your project, feel free to reach out. Let’s collaborate and create something truly special! Crafting memorable characters is my passion, and I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to collaborate with you and bring your unique visions to life. If you have any questions, big or small, or if you're ready to dive into the exciting world of character design, please don't hesitate to get in touch! I’m here to guide you through every step of the process, from the initial spark of an idea to the final, polished artwork. Think of your characters as the heart and soul of your stories. They're the heroes, the villains, the sidekicks, and the quirky individuals that make your narratives come alive. A well-designed character can captivate an audience, spark emotions, and leave a lasting impression. That's why I pour my heart and soul into every commission, ensuring that each character I create is not only visually stunning but also embodies the essence of your story. Whether you're developing a character for a novel, a game, a comic book, or any other creative project, I'm excited to partner with you and help you bring your vision to fruition. I believe that collaboration is key to creating truly exceptional artwork. When you commission me, you're not just hiring an artist; you're gaining a creative partner who is dedicated to bringing your ideas to life. From our initial consultation to the final delivery of your artwork, I'll keep you involved every step of the way, ensuring that the design perfectly reflects your vision. I pride myself on my attention to detail, my commitment to quality, and my ability to capture the unique essence of each character I create. I'm passionate about understanding the stories behind your characters, their personalities, their motivations, and their place in the world you've built. This deep understanding allows me to craft designs that are not only visually appealing but also rich with depth and meaning. So, if you're ready to embark on a creative journey and bring your characters to life, I invite you to reach out and let's start a conversation. Whether you have a fully formed character concept or just a glimmer of an idea, I'm here to help you develop it into something truly amazing. Let's collaborate and create characters that will inspire, entertain, and leave a lasting impression on your audience. Together, we can craft characters that will become the heart and soul of your stories. I eagerly await the opportunity to work with you and bring your visions to life. Let's make some magic happen!

I look forward to hearing from you!